In a significant judicial development that underscores the growing emphasis on transparency and accountability in Nigerian governance, Honourable Justice E.U. Akpan of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, on Friday, 17 July 2026, granted granted leave to the Civil Society Observatory for Constitutional and Legal Compliance (CSOCLC) to apply for orders compelling disclosure from Local Government officials, Abia State, Federal Government authorities, and Union Bank of Nigeria. The move follows their deemed refusal to honour several Freedom of Information (FOI) requests served earlier this year, concerning the allocation and management of revenues at the Local Government level in Abia State.
The decision marks a critical step in enforcing the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s July 2024 ruling affirming the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s Local Governments.
The CSOCLC sought judicial intervention through their lead counsel, Nnamdi U. Nwokocha-Ahaaiwe, Esq., of NUNALEXIS Solicitors, LP, arguing that the refusal to disclose key financial data relating to Local Government revenue streams, budget allocations, expenditures, and bank statements posed a serious breach of both statutory obligations and constitutional mandates.
The CSOCLC, a non-governmental organisation incorporated in 2018 with a focus on promoting constitutional compliance and legal governance, had submitted detailed FOI requests starting February 2026 to the 17 Local Government Areas. LGAs, of Abia State, as well as to key State and Federal officials and institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation. These requests sought a broad array of financial documents, including approved budgets for 2024 and 2025, revenue and expenditure reports including Federation Account Allocations, FAAC, Value Added Tax, VAT, proceeds, procurement contracts, audit reports, and full bank statements.
Despite proper service and statutory deadlines, most recipients either ignored the requests or refused to comply. Under the FOIA, any failure to respond constitutes deemed refusal, a criminal offence attracting fines and potential prosecution.
Consequently, the Attorney-General of the Federation was joined in the suit to ensure enforcement and prosecution of defaulting officials.
Over the course of presenting 19 ex parte applications, Justice Akpan found the grounds for relief compelling. Responding to legal submissions supported by comprehensive affidavits and accompanying exhibits, the court granted CSOCLC leave to apply for orders of mandamus. Such orders will compel disclosure of the information sought and oblige the Attorney-General to initiate prosecution steps where appropriate.
The 19 separate cases, spanning Local Government councils from Aba North to Ukwa West and involving numerous principal officers – Chairmen, Treasurers, Legislative Leaders, as well as senior State officials and executives from Union Bank, reflect a broad and systemic pattern of non-compliance with the FOIA.
This decision arrives at a pivotal moment when civil society calls for enhanced transparency following revelations of widespread diversion and mismanagement of local government funds nationwide. The Supreme Court’s 2024 judgment struck down the practice of warehousing local government funds in State Joint Accounts and ordered direct payments to local councils, yet the CSOCLC’s investigation reveals considerable opacity in actual compliance, particularly in Abia State.
Beyond compelling disclosure, joinder of the Attorney-General to consitder prosecution underscores the gravity with which Nigerian courts are beginning to treat FOI breaches. The CSOCLC’s pro bono6 legal push, despite financial and procedural hurdles, highlights the rising activism among civic groups to hold government accountable for stewardship of public resources.
Among the defendants are Local Government chairpersons such as Mayor Iheke Kalu of Aba North and Engr. Chinedu P. Enwereuzo of Umuahia South, Treasurer Jane Okere of Aba North, legislative leaders, permanent secretaries of state ministries, as well as Union Bank’s Managing Director, Mrs. Yetunde B. Oni.
The extensive scope of the litigation, covering 19 separate cases with a combined count of more than 50 local government officials alongside federal functionaries, signals a comprehensive probe into local government fiscal transparency in Abia State.
Justice Akpan’s grant of leave for judicial review paves the way for a landmark enforcement of transparency provisions in Nigeria’s FOIA regime. Civil society groups and stakeholders will closely watch ensuing proceedings, which could redefine public access to critical information and mark a watershed in Nigeria’s anticorruption and governance agenda.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with entrenched institutional challenges, the Federal High Court’s ruling today reaffirms the judiciary’s role as a bulwark for transparency, rule of law, and ensuring that public funds are managed in the public interest.
